Assessments
Supporting the Understanding of Behaviour
Our assessments are based on the basic principles of The Body Life Skills program which include:
- We are all equally amazing lovable beings
- Non-preferred behaviour occurs because a situation is presented in life that we perceive we are not yet equipped to deal with
- Understanding why a person is choosing to use behaviour that is non-preferred or unwanted is crucial to truly supporting them to change it
Our assessments have been designed to support the identification of a person’s natural strengths and weaknesses across their environments, cognitive development, academic achievement and other areas of development.
The purpose of our assessments is never to compare one person with another, label or diagnose; rather, it is to utilise the results so that we are able to best support the client in their natural setting. The information sourced from the assessments can help ascertain the reason for non-preferred or unwanted behaviours being used.
The diagnosis from our reports can be taken to paediatricians, psychiatrists or other professionals to support the process of behaviour change. However, at Fabic we understand that a diagnosis will not change behaviour – rather, the purpose of an assessment is to help understand behaviour.
Our assessments can be quite comprehensive and will often take more time in comparison to other services. We are interested in the micro-analysis to find the smallest of factors that could be influencing behaviour.
Functional Behaviour Assessment
Lays the foundation for the development of an individualised intervention plan
Functional Behaviour Assessment is a core component of Fabic, so much so that the name Fabic is actually derived from it … Functional Assessment & Behaviour Interventions Clinic (FABIC).
Functional behaviour assessments are all about investigating the reasons for specific behaviour being used. Fabic staff understand that there is a reason behind all behaviour and identifying the reason is a fundamental step in first understanding and then changing non-preferred or unwanted behaviour.
The assessment gathers information via interviews and observations and is partially conducted in the environment where the non-preferred behaviour is occurring (i.e. the home, school, work or community setting).
The outcome is a detailed report containing the hypothesised reasons of the behaviour and a series of recommendations and practical tools to support lasting behaviour change.
Cognitive Assessment (IQ Testing)
Cognitive IQ testing provides in-depth insight into an individual's intellectual strengths and weaknesses
Fabic provides Cognitive Assessments (Cognitive IQ tests) to support and bring in-depth insight into an individual’s intellectual strengths and weaknesses.
Understanding a person’s learning profile can help to identify any areas of deficit or giftedness they may have. The results assist in gaining an understanding as to how a person is likely to learn, receive, process and use new information presented to them. This information can then be used in the development of individual plans.
At Fabic we use a cognitive assessment to work out the main strengths and weaknesses related to learning profiles, executive function, attention disorders, intellectual disabilities and giftedness.
The assessment gathers information via interviews and the administration of standardised tests with the client.
The outcome is a detailed report containing the information and insights on the individual’s intellectual strengths and weaknesses and a series of recommendations to establish specific teaching practices to enhance their future skills development.
Tests used:
- Weschler Individual Achievement Test – Second Edition (WIAT-II)
- Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test – 4th Edition (PPVT-4)
The cognitive assessment consists of:- An initial interview with a primary carer
- Up to four cognitive IQ testing sessions with the student
- A detailed report of the student’s learning strengths and weaknesses plus recommendations
- A feedback session to discuss the information in the report with the carer
The outcome is a detailed report containing the information and insights on the individual’s intellectual strengths and weaknesses with a series of recommendations to establish specific teaching practices aimed at enhancing the person’s future skills development.
Educational Assessment
Provides in-depth insight into an individual's academic strengths and weaknesses
Fabic provides Educational Assessments to bring insight to an individual’s academic strengths and weaknesses.
This assessment is particularly useful for those experiencing difficult behaviour that is affecting their academic performance along with those who are experiencing difficulties managing academic demands at school.
The assessment gathers information via interviews and the administration of standardised tests with the client.
The outcome is a detailed report containing the information and insights on the individual’s academic strengths and weaknesses and a series of recommendations to establish better learning practices. This report then forms the foundation of an individual learning plan and provides a greater understanding of why certain non-preferred or unwanted behaviours are being used in a learning environment.
Tests used:
- Weschler Individual Achievement Test – Second Edition (WIAT-II)
- Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test – 4th Edition (PPVT-4)
The assessment consists of:- An initial interview with a primary carer
- Up to four testing sessions with the student
- A detailed report of the student’s learning strengths and weaknesses plus recommendations
- A feedback session to discuss the information in the report with the carer
The outcome is a detailed report containing the information and insights on the individual’s academic strengths and weaknesses with a series of recommendations to found and establish better learning practices.
Combined Cognitive & Educational Assessment
Provides a well-rounded understanding of both the person’s natural intellectual ability as well as their current academic achievement
Fabic offers Combined Cognitive and Academic Assessments to provide a well-rounded understanding of both the person’s natural intellectual ability as well as their current academic achievement.
These tests are particularly relevant when there may be suspected learning difficulties that might influence how a person is experiencing their learning environment. In a behavioural sense, it could be said that ‘they are not meeting their potential’. This often indicates that the person’s intellectual ability in certain areas has been noted as high; however, the actual academic output is low.
At Fabic we want to understand the reason why and we know that this is often a result of underlying difficulties with learning that go unaddressed – thus, the behavioural challenges are really a result of someone struggling with the learning tasks presented.
Tests used:
- Weschler Intelligence Scale
- Weschler Individual Achievement Test – Second Edition (WIAT-II)
- Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test – 4th Edition (PPVT-4)
The assessment consists of:- An initial interview with a primary carer
- Up to four testing sessions with the student
- A detailed report of the student’s learning strengths and weaknesses plus recommendations
- A feedback session to discuss the information in the report with the carer
The outcome is a detailed report containing the information and insights on the individual’s intellectual and academic strengths and weaknesses with a series of recommendations to establish better learning practices.
School Readiness Assessment Test
Provides a greater understanding of a child’s level of intellectual functioning and learning style
Parents and educators alike are united in wanting children to have the most favourable experience possible when it comes to starting formal schooling and setting them up with a positive approach to their future education. Fabic has designed a unique and holistic School Readiness Assessment program which provides parents and educators with a greater understanding of a child’s level of intellectual functioning and learning style to assist in creating a learning environment that best meets their needs.
The ideal time to conduct the assessment is when the child is between five and seven years old and, where possible, prior to starting formal schooling.
Fabic provides:
School Readiness Assessment Tests for Kindergarten
School Readiness Assessment Tests for Grade 1
A School Readiness Assessment test for Grade 1 is carried out to offer parents and educators how to best support the student’s unique requirements.
The results of the assessments, which are presented in a formal report, aid parents and educators to understand how a child experiences the world and how they can support them to adapt to the school environment, learn new skills and reach their full potential.
School Readiness Assessment Tests used:
- Weschler Preschool & Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI)
- Weschler Individual Achievement Test – Second Edition (WIAT-II)
- Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test – 4th Edition (PPVT-4)
The assessment consists of:- An initial interview with the significant carer
- A questionnaire interview with the significant carer
- A 50-minute consultation with the child at Fabic
- Two observations in different settings (e.g. home and school) or at two different times in the same setting
- A comprehensive written report with recommendations
- A feedback session with the significant carer to review the information in the report
The outcome is a formal report which aids understanding of how a child experiences the world and how to best support them to adapt to the school environment, learn new skills and reach their full potential.
Autism Assessment (Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment)
Provides a greater understanding of a persons level of intellectual functioning and learning style. Our Autism assessment services are for children, adolescents and adults.
Do you or your child’s school suspect they may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including what was previously referred to as Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Autistic Disorder? Perhaps you are now in your adult years and are unsure about whether or not you have ASD.
Autism Assessment tools used at Fabic
Fabic uses two well-recognised diagnostic tools to diagnose Autism; the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), which has been rated as the most reliable diagnostic tool by international ASD experts. And the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R), which is a gold standard, structured parent interview that assists in the reliable diagnosis of ASD. On some occasions the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is also used.
Autism Diagnostic Assessments – Tests used:
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2nd Edition (ADOS 2)
- Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
The autism diagnostic assessment consists of:- An initial interview with the significant carer
- A questionnaire interview with the significant carer
- A 50-minute consultation with the child or adult at Fabic
- Two observations in different settings (e.g. home and school) or at two different times in the same setting
- A comprehensive written report with recommendations
- A feedback session with the significant carer to review the information in the report
The outcome is a formal report which aids understanding of how a child or adult with Autism experiences the world and how to best support them to adapt to the school or work environment, learn new skills and reach their full potential.
ADHD Assessment (*Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Provides a well-rounded understanding of a person’s non-preferred behaviours to support behaviour change.
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, usually first diagnosed in childhood and often symptoms lasting well into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD commonly display symptoms relating to inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Test used:
- Connors Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale (Connors-3)
** Vision and hearing tests are also recommended to assess other possible explanations for ADHD-related behaviour.
The outcome is a detailed report offering understanding (rather than judgment) of a person’s difficulties and subsequent non-preferred or unwanted behaviour as well as recommendations and strategies to support them to develop the skills to live a rewarding and meaningful life and reach their full potential.
Speech Pathology Assessments
Fabic offers a wide range of Speech Pathology Assessments and Reports including Language Assessments, Problem-Solving Assessments, Literacy Assessments, Assessments of Social Skills and Pragmatic Language, Stuttering Assessments, Speech Assessments, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessments and more.
Speech Pathogy Assessments and Reports
For further information on the Speech Pathology Assessments offered at Fabic, open up the toggles below:
Language Assessments
Problem-Solving Assessments
Literacy Assessments
Informal assessments of reading and writing which support in understanding where a person is having difficulty learning to read and write and pinpointing the reason why they are experiencing this difficulty. This assessment offers the understanding required to make a plan that addresses the blockage that is affecting the person’s ability to develop their reading and writing.
Assessments of Social Skills and Pragmatic Language
‘Pragmatic language’ and ‘social skills’ are both terms used to describe the collection of skills needed for successful social interactions. Fabic offers this service as an informal assessment that typically involves: a) a detailed interview with the person and a carer or parent who knows them well, b) interaction with the person in the clinic setting, c) observation of the person in another setting with their peers where needed. This assessment can support an understanding of where people find it difficult to interact and form and maintain relationships successfully and can then be used to assist with therapy planning.
Stuttering Assessments
Stuttering assessments involve an interview with the person and/or their parent or carer followed by observation and informal assessment of the person in conversation. This assessment can be used to gain an understanding of the particular presentation of a person’s stutter to support planning for how to address it through therapy. For young children, this process can also be used to determine whether their disfluency is in fact a stutter or an age appropriate part of their developing communication.
Speech Assessments
Formal and informal assessments can be offered to support in understanding why a person is having difficulty producing clear speech.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessments
AAC refers to an alternative means of communicating that is introduced for a person with little to no functional speech. These assessments include examining the degree to which the person has the skills to communicate intentionally using AAC and which form of alternative communication system will be most appropriate. These assessments frequently include a trial of various AAC options in the person’s everyday life.
Assessment Costs
In order to offer a fully customised assessment process for each person, all speech pathology assessments are charged per session required to complete them, at standard session prices. The number of sessions required and total price are discussed with the family prior to commencing the assessment.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding can be used to access these assessments as well as Medicare plans and private health insurance. We are also able to work in conjunction with WorkCover to offer voice assessments.
For more information on our Assessment Services please contact Fabic.
